Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has launched its Gas Center of Excellence in Doha, Qatar, to enhance support for LNG and gas projects worldwide. This facility combines regional expertise with global resources, providing integrated assistance across the gas value chain and reinforcing BV’s marine presence in the Middle East.
Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding Group has delivered the SG Lagoon, a Capesize bulk carrier with a deadweight tonnage of 210,141 DWT, commissioned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha. This dual-fuel vessel can operate on heavy oil or LNG, showcasing advancements in environmentally friendly shipping technologies while maintaining substantial cargo capacity.
The Switch has unveiled a new Electronic Current Limiter (ECL) to enhance DC system stability in marine applications. This device allows direct battery connections, addressing fault challenges in large battery systems. By limiting fault currents and preserving DC-link voltage, the ECL ensures operational continuity and boosts vessel efficiency during abnormal conditions.
The World Shipping Council has updated its Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard, revealing a rise in dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers to 400 by December 2025, up from 218 in 2024. With 726 more on order, this growth reflects a significant investment of over $150 billion in sustainable shipping solutions.
The UP World LNG Shipping Index surged 4.05% last week, closing at a historic 182.36 points. In contrast, the S&P 500 saw a modest increase of 0.3%. Notable gains were observed in companies like COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation and Chevron, while Atlantic spot charter rates continued to decline amid rising gas consumption in Europe.
Columbia Group has partnered with Prevention at Sea (PaS) to implement the MORSE digital compliance platform across its managed fleet. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency by integrating electronic logbooks with standardized compliance processes, providing real-time visibility into reporting activities and reducing administrative burdens for onboard crews.
The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction has drafted a workplan to develop safety regulations for vessels using innovative technologies and alternative fuels. This initiative, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will be presented to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in May 2026. Key milestones include updates to existing standards and the introduction of new guidelines.
Severe weather in the North Atlantic has worsened the damage to the MSC Baltic III, which ran aground near Lark Harbor, Newfoundland, in February 2025. Salvage crews observed significant hull cracking and buckling, compounded by heavy ice accumulation. Despite the challenges, efforts to remove fuel and cargo continue amid harsh conditions.
The Offshore Charging Working Group, a coalition of offshore wind and maritime sectors, aims to decarbonize service operations by electrifying service operation vessels (SOVs) and crew transfer vessels (CTVs). Key challenges include early design considerations and ensuring clear commercial access to offshore power for charging, necessitating effective policy frameworks.
A maritime growth organization has welcomed GeoPura, a zero-emission hydrogen power provider, enhancing Teesside’s clean energy reputation. This partnership offers Tees Maritime Cluster members access to hydrogen expertise, fostering collaboration and reducing risks in zero-emission projects. GeoPura’s innovative solutions aim to transform industrial and maritime energy practices sustainably.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two tankers suspected of illegal crude oil transfers in Malaysian waters. Acting on intelligence, MMEA personnel boarded the vessels near Port of Penang. The operation underscores the agency’s commitment to maritime security and its proactive stance against maritime crime in the region.
Three more bodies from the sunken ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 have been recovered near Basilan, raising the confirmed death toll to 40, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. Among the deceased is Coast Guard Seaman Alkhaizar Hadjail, honored for his dedication to public service. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
Raymarine has partnered with The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO to advance the Seabed 2030 project, aiming to map the entire ocean floor by 2030. Currently, only 25% is mapped to modern standards. Raymarine will contribute crowd-sourced bathymetric data from vessels, enhancing marine conservation and sustainable ocean resource management.
The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) held its 12th session in January 2023, chaired by Mr. Erik Tvedt. Key outcomes included a draft workplan for a greenhouse gas safety framework and guidelines for remote inspection techniques, alongside efforts to mitigate underwater radiated noise from ships.
Japan’s MODEC, Norway’s Eld Energy, and Delta Electronics are collaborating to deploy solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology on a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel. This partnership aims to facilitate the maritime energy transition, focusing on zero-carbon solutions and efficient power generation by 2027.
